Production at the Stellantis automotive plant in Kragujevac has entered a new phase of expansion after weekend shifts officially began in June, marking one of the largest increases in manufacturing capacity since the launch of the Fiat Grande Panda programme in Serbia. The move follows months of recruitment, workforce expansion and production ramp-up aimed at meeting strong European demand for the hybrid and electric versions of the model.
According to union representatives, the new work organisation introduces dedicated weekend shifts covering approximately 800 workers, operating primarily through 12-hour Saturday and Sunday schedules. The objective is to increase plant output without relying on the extensive overtime that characterised production during previous months. The new arrangement is expected to gradually replace overtime work previously performed by employees on second and third shifts.
The decision reflects a sharp improvement in the operational position of the Kragujevac factory. After a challenging launch phase in 2025, production of the Fiat Grande Panda has stabilised, enabling Stellantis to pursue significantly higher output targets. Industry reports indicate that the company aims to raise annual production toward 150,000 vehicles, compared with current annualised production estimates of approximately 120,000 vehicles. Achieving that objective requires both workforce expansion and additional production cycles beyond the traditional weekday schedule.
The Kragujevac facility has become increasingly important within Stellantis’ European manufacturing network. More than 90% of vehicles produced in the plant are destined for export markets, primarily across the European Union. Strong demand in countries such as Italy, France and Germany has reportedly exceeded current production capacity, creating pressure to accelerate output growth.
For the Serbian automotive sector, the expansion has broader economic implications. The plant has evolved into one of the country’s largest industrial exporters and employers. Employment has risen from roughly 1,000 workers less than two years ago to around 3,000 employees, supported by the introduction of additional production shifts and recruitment campaigns targeting both domestic and foreign labour.
The production increase is also strengthening the wider automotive supply chain in central Serbia. Component manufacturers, logistics providers, packaging companies and industrial service providers linked to the Stellantis ecosystem stand to benefit from higher vehicle volumes. As output expands, supplier utilisation rates and regional industrial activity are likely to rise accordingly.
The success of the Fiat Grande Panda programme carries significance beyond Kragujevac itself. Serbia has been seeking to position itself as a competitive manufacturing base for electric and hybrid vehicles, combining lower production costs with proximity to major European markets. The ability of the Kragujevac plant to sustain three-shift production, add weekend operations and potentially accommodate additional vehicle programmes strengthens that positioning.
From an investor perspective, the introduction of weekend shifts signals that Stellantis is transitioning from a factory recovery phase into a capacity expansion phase. Rather than focusing on production stabilisation, management is now attempting to capture growing market demand through higher utilisation of existing assets. The move indicates confidence in order books for the Grande Panda family and reinforces the strategic role of the Serbian operation within Stellantis’ broader European manufacturing footprint.
